Inverse design of parameter-controlled disclination paths

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Tsubery, Yehonatan; Aharoni, Hillel
• 署名单位: Weizmann Institute of Science
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-14244
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2508362122
• 发表日期: 2025-09-23
• 关键词: alignment; gratings

摘要

Topological defects, such as disclination lines in nematic liquid crystals, are fundamental to many physical systems and applications. In this work, we study the behavior of nematic disclinations in thin parallel-plate geometries with strong patterned planar anchoring. Building on prior models, we solve both the forward problem-predicting disclination trajectories from given surface patterns-and an extended inverse problem-designing surface patterns to produce a tunable family of disclination curves under varying system parameters. We present an explicit calculation for pattern construction, analyze parameter limitations and stability constraints, and highlight experimental and technological applications.